Energy metabolism in kidney of heat acclimated hamsters

Biochemical pathways which are involved in energy metabolism were examined in the kidney of heat acclimated hamsters. It was found that heat acclimation caused 47% reduction in glucose 6 phosphatase (Glc 6 Pase) activity and 40% lower rate of gluconeogenesis. No changes were found in the activity of hexokinase, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, or in kidney glycogen content. Isolated kidney mitochondria of heat acclimated hamsters utilized 15% less oxygen than that of controls, but no differences were found in the P/O ratio. Determination of the content of some cytochromes showed a significant reduction in cytochromes c + c₁, but no difference was found in the content of cytochromes a, a₃, and b. These results suggest that the kidney plays a role in the reduction of energy metabolism during the process of heat acclimation.